Bulletin 13: CAFN COVID-19 Planning and Response
May 29, 2020
Message from the Chief:
COVID-19 has significantly impacted Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN). While our first priority remains keeping Citizens and staff safe, CAFN is also developing a recovery plan to work towards getting back to normal operations.
As a first step, we have developed a framework to guide our approach to reopening CAFN buildings, spaces, services and activities. Our framework is built on a set of principles and criteria for moving through a series of steps towards slowly, and responsibly lifting restrictions. The principles are:
- Protection of Citizens and staff is paramount;
- We need to work collaboratively with Yukon, Canada and other Yukon First Nations, but allow for an approach that fits CAFN needs;
- Communication with Citizens is key;
- We must be cautious and vigilant; and
- We must be responsive to changes in current conditions.
At this time, CAFN has not lifted or reduced any COVID-19 safety measures.
The CAFN State of Emergency is in effect until June 5, 2020, our offices remain closed to the public and most staff continue to work remotely. However, we are preparing for the “new normal” and look forward to keeping you, our Citizens and communities, updated on next steps.
Our Council asks you, our Dän Shawthän (good people), to remain vigilant in practicing Yukon’s COVID-19 Safe Six. Please keep looking out for yourself and each other as long as the risk of this pandemic remains.
Gunałchish.
Kaaxnox, Dän Nätthe Äda (Chief Steve Smith)
What is the status of COVID-19 in the Yukon? Please visit Yukon.ca
What is the status of COVID-19 in Canada? Please visit Canada.ca
Council of Yukon First Nations COVID-19 information hub at: cyfn.ca/covid-19
| 6 Steps to Staying Safe A Path Forward, Yukon’s plan for lifting COVID-19 restrictions was released May 15, 2020, and Yukon is now in phase 1 of that plan. The six steps to staying safe and stopping the spread of COVID-19 remain: 1. Physical distancing – keep 2 metres (6 feet) away from everyone who’s not a member of your household. 2. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol. 3. Stay home if you’re feeling sick. 4. Don’t gather in groups of more than 10 people and remember to keep 2 metres (6 feet) apart. 5. Limit travel to rural communities (limit replaces avoid). 6. Self-isolate if you’ve just returned to the territory, or if you’ve been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19. To view Yukon’s recovery plan, please visit: https://yukon.ca/en/health-and-wellness/covid-19/plan-lifting-yukons-covid-19-restrictions |
| Safe Parties Whether you are celebrating a new grad, a birthday, or just getting together with friends, CAFN reminds you to party safely. – Practice social distancing. – Consume safely: Don’t share bottles, glasses, cigarettes or any other paraphernalia and remember to drink in moderation. – Take care of your physical and mental health. – Look out for each another. – Have fun and be safe! We care about you! Look for more safe partying resources and information at https://www.cyfn.ca/covid-19/ |
| COVID-19 Support There are many financial supports available to help people during this pandemic, and more are announced daily. If you have questions on what supports are available, or need help to apply, please contact one of our Support Navigators: Ruth Haynes, Financial Literacy Coach – [email protected] or (867) 634-4200 x285 Holly Underschultz, Economic Development –[email protected] or (867) 456-6888 x332 CAFN Income Assistance support staff can also assist our CAFN clients |
| CAFN Offices Our offices are closed to the public, but we continue to provide essential services. Please contact us if you have questions or need CAFN support. Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Haines Junction (867) 634-4200 Whitehorse (867) 456-6888 |